This was the first ever Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival but I'm sure there will be many more to follow since this was a huge success as far as attendance. Actual attendance numbers weren't available but some are calling it the West Coast Bonnaroo.
The three-day fest consisted of more than 60 acts including headliners Radiohead, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Jack Johnson, Beck and Widespread Panic. The fest didn't considered Panic a main headliner since most came from around the west coast areas to see Radiohead and Tom Petty.
Held in Northern Californina the evenings were chilly, damp and foggy. With no parking nearby the grounds police estimated about 40,000 arrived by foot or bicycle to hit the six stages on the 60 acres. 60 acres sounds like a lot of room but around the stages people were packed in like sardines.
It was Green! The fest did well maintaining an overall eco-friendly environment with the use of solar power, recycling and biodiesel generators.
Other than the transportation and crowd-control issues there was some technical difficulties as well. The loss of sound during Radiohead's performance, not once, but a couple of times left some attendees shouting "I want a refund."
Check out this video clip from San Francisco Gate.com talking a bit about the fest which includes some highlights from Widespread Panic's show.
Next up for the boys...Aspen Jazz Fest, Aug 28 and 29 marking the end of their summer tour.
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